Cringes are involuntary reactions that people experience when they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable or scared. However, there are several other words that can be used to describe this feeling. One of the most common synonyms for cringes is flinches. This word is often used to describe the physical reaction people have when they see or hear something that makes them uneasy. Other synonyms include recoils, shudders, and quivers. Each of these words accurately captures the sense of discomfort that people experience when they encounter something that is unpleasant or unsettling. By using different synonyms, writers and speakers can add variety and precision to their language, making their descriptions of cringes more vivid and evocative.